in Algiers, Algeria
Ketchaoua Mosque
Built in 1612 by Ottoman Pasha Mustapha, this beautiful mosque in the heart of the Casbah showcases Ottoman-Moorish architecture. Briefly converted to a cathedral during French rule, it was restored as a mosque after independence and features stunning interior tilework and calligraphy.
The Ketchaoua Mosque stands at the base of the historic Casbah of Algiers on Place des Martyrs, and is one of the most architecturally significant religious buildings in Algeria. Its origins date to 1612, when Ottoman Pasha Mustapha ordered its construction, and the building has witnessed the full arc of Algiers's history from Ottoman province through French colonial rule and into independence.
The facade presents a blend of Ottoman and Moorish architectural vocabularies: a central portal flanked by engaged columns, two octagonal minarets added during a 19th-century renovation, and arched ground-level galleries that open toward the square. The stone exterior, whitewashed in the Casbah tradition, stands in elegant contrast to the ornate detail work at each doorway and arch.
During French colonial rule the mosque was converted into the Cathedral of Saint-Philippe, and significant alterations were made to its interior. When Algeria gained independence in 1962 the building was reconverted to a mosque. The coexistence of architectural layers — Ottoman structure, French neo-Moorish additions, and post-independence restorations — makes the interior a palimpsest of periods. Visitors can observe the intricate stucco panels, Quranic calligraphy bands, and the intricately carved wooden minbar (pulpit) that are the centerpieces of the prayer hall.
Non-Muslim visitors are generally admitted outside the five daily prayer times, typically from around 9 AM to noon and 2 PM to 5 PM, though opening hours can vary and the mosque may close for religious events without notice. Modest dress — covered arms and legs for women, long trousers for men — is required, and shoes must be removed at the entrance. Entry is free.
The setting on Place des Martyrs adds context: the square was a focal point of Algiers's commercial and administrative life for centuries, and the mosque's twin minarets frame the view toward the port. A typical visit runs 20 to 30 minutes for the exterior and, where open, a brief interior walk. Combining the mosque with a deeper walk into the Casbah alleys behind extends the experience to a half-day.
Hours: Open for prayers, visitors outside prayer times 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Best for: culture enthusiasts, architecture lovers, photographers
Location
Place des Martyrs, Casbah, Algiers, Algeria
36.7828, 3.0589 — View on map
Highlights
- Twin Ottoman-era octagonal minarets framing the Place des Martyrs facade
- Intricate stucco panels and Quranic calligraphy bands inside the prayer hall
- Carved wooden minbar representing some of the finest Ottoman-era craftsmanship in Algiers
- Layered architectural history spanning Ottoman, French colonial, and post-independence periods
- Prime location at the threshold of the UNESCO-listed Casbah of Algiers
Tips
- Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering
- Non-Muslims may have limited access during prayer times
- Beautiful exterior and location in Casbah worth seeing
- Combine with Casbah exploration
FAQ
Is Ketchaoua Mosque free to enter?
Yes, entry is free. The mosque is an active house of worship and no admission is charged.
Is photography allowed inside?
Photography inside the prayer hall is generally not permitted; the exterior and plaza may be freely photographed. Check with the mosque attendant on arrival.
How long does a visit take?
The exterior can be appreciated in 10 to 15 minutes; if interior access is open, allow 30 minutes for the full experience. Combining with a Casbah walk turns it into a half-day.
Accessibility
The mosque is accessed via a few steps at the main entrance on Place des Martyrs; there is no reported ramp or lift access. Visitors with mobility limitations may be unable to enter the prayer hall but can appreciate the full facade and minarets from the plaza.
When to visit
October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures for exploring the Casbah district. Visiting between 9 AM and noon on weekday mornings gives the best chance of the mosque being open to visitors and the plaza relatively uncrowded.